China raises bar with Tokyo 2020 target

Track-and-field chiefs hopeful Rio medal tally can be bettered

China has sets its sights on topping its Rio Olympics athletics medal tally at Tokyo 2020 as the nation aims to regain the balance of power in its relay rivalry with Japan and boldly targets upsets against Western powerhouses in other events.

A morale-boosting season for Chinese track-and-field athletes has raised hopes the six-medal haul from the 2016 Rio Games can be surpassed in the Japanese capital in two years' time.